Tripura Travel
About Tripura
Tripura is one of the seven states in the north eastern part of India located between 22 degree and 56 minutes and 24 degree and 32 minutes north latitude and between 90 degree and 09 minutes and 92 degree and 20 minutes east latitude. It is bounded on the north, west, south and south-east by Bangladesh whereas in the east it has a common boundary with Assam and Mizoram.
Places to See in Tripura
Agartala, the state capital, is connected by road with Guwahati via Shillong by National Highway No. 44. It takes about 24 hrs. by road from Guwahati to reach Agartala. There are flight connections with Calcutta and Guwahati. Ujjayanta Palace is a modern building of the royal house of Tripura and is located in the heart of Agartala, sprawling over a half sq.kms.
Culture of Tripura
Tripura has rich cultural heritage of 19 different tribal communities, Bengali and Manipuri communities. Each community has its own dance forms which are famous in the country. The main folk dances are Hozagiri dance of Reang community, Garia , Jhum, Maimita, Masak Sumani and Lebang boomani dances of Tripuri community, Bizu dance of Chakma community, Cheraw and Welcome dances of Lusai community, Hai-Hak dance of Malsum community, Wangala dance of Garo Community, Sangraiaka, Chimithang, Padisha and abhangma dances of Mog community, Garia dances of Kalai and Jamatia communities, Gajan, Dhamail, Sari and Rabindra dances of Bengali community and Basanta Rash and Pung chalam dances of Manipuri community.
Temples in Tripura
Tripura is famous for a large number of temples of Hindus and Buddhists. The most significant of them are Mata Tripureshwari temple at Udaipur, Fourteen Goddess Temple at Old Agartala, Bhuveneshwari Temple at Udaipur , Benuban Vihar at Agartala etc.
West Tripura
While Tripura as a whole lies approximately between the north latitude 22 degrees 56' and 24 degrees 32' and between longitude 91 degrees 0' and 92 degrees 20' east, the West Tripura district lies approximately between latitude 23 degrees 16' to 24 degrees 14' north and longitude 91 degrees 09' east to 91 degrees 47' east. The West Tripura District is bounded by Bangladesh in the north and west by North Tripura in the east and by South Tripura in the south. Total area of the district is 3544 sq.kms. The district headquarters is located at Agartala, which is also the capital of the State.
North Tripura
The North Tripura District has a geographical area of 2,469.90 Sq. Km and is divided into three sub-divisions, namely, Dharmanagar, Kanchanpur and Kailashahar. For the purpose of developmental activities it is divided into eight Blocks namely Kumarghat, Panisagar, Pecharthal, Kadamtala, Damcherra, Dasda, Gournagar and Jampui Hill.
Dances of Tripura
Garia Dance : The life and culture of Tripuris revolve around Jhum(shifting) cultivation. When the sowing of seeds at a plot of land selected for Jhum is over by middle of April, they pray to the God 'Garia' for a happy harvest. The celebrations attached to the Garia Puja continue for seven days when they seek to entertain their beloved deity with song and dance.
Rock Cut Carving in Tripura
Tripura has beautiful rock cut carvings and stone images at Unakoti, Debtamura and Pilak. Most of these carvings are huge in size and made on vertical walls exposed in the open atmosphere.
Handicrafts in Tripura
Excellent variety of handicrafts using bamboo and cane are made by different ethnic groups which have earned great name and fame throughout the country. The most famous handicraft products are Room Divider, Decorated wall panels, Attractive furniture of cane , Different decorative pieces using Bamboo roots, Bamboo Dining table mats, Floor mats and various other gift items. Tourist can watch the craft persons at work in different villages and buy handicraft and handloom products from Purbasha, a Govt.of Tripura undertaking Sales Emporium and other private Sales Emporium throughout the state.
Communities of Tripura
The Tripuris constitute the weightiest section of the entire tribal community, representing more than 50% of the total tribal population of the State. The Tripuris live on the slopes of hills in a group of five to fifty families. Their houses in these areas are built of bamboo and raised five to six feet height to save themselves from the dangers of the wild animals. Nowadays a considerable section of this community are living in the plains and erecting houses like the plains' people adopting their methods of cultivation and following them in other aspects of life, such as dress, manners and cosmetics. Tripuri women rear a scarp, called Pachra, which reaches down just below the knee. They weave in their loin-loom a small piece of cloth, which they call 'Risha', and they use this small piece of cloth as their breast garment.
Palaces in Tripura
The former Maharajas had constructed beautiful palaces in different locations of the state. These palaces provide a glimpse of the royal past of this erstwhile princely state.
